In this post, we are delving into a topic that holds crucial importance for anyone who has invested time, money, and effort into building a brand: trademark renewals. If you've ever wondered whether your hard-earned trademark can stand the test of time, the short...
Learn. Teach. Protect.
garbis law, llc
intellectual property law
Intent to Use
a legal blog for small businesses and entrepreneurs
Patents
trademarks
copyrights
all topics
Trademark Disclaimers: What They Are and Why They Matter
Have you filed a trademark application and received an Office Action from the Examining Attorney who reviewed it asking you to disclaim a portion of your trademark? This is an extremely common occurrence and this post is meant to clear up any confusion as to what that...
Which Trademark Symbols Do I Use?
When looking at different brand names or logos, it is common to see some type of trademark symbol right next to it. Those trademark symbols are either the circled R (®), a superscript TM, or a superscript SM. What you use and how you use it matters. If you have...
How to Properly Use a Trademark
Failure to properly use your trademarks can lead to weakened trademark rights, and even the risk of losing trademark protection. Improper use, specifically when the mark is being used descriptively, can lead to what is known as “trademark genericide.” This occurs when...
Business Name vs Trademark – What’s the Difference?
Are you starting a new business? A common misconception when it comes to the business name is that by registering with the Secretary of State, you have also secured trademark rights in that name. One way to look at this all is by thinking of the entity...
How Much Does A Trademark Cost?
HOW MUCH DOES A TRADEMARK COST? In true legal fashion, there really is only one way to answer this: It depends. When it comes to determining how much a trademark costs, there are two, sometimes three, fees that you will be dealing with. First, the United States...
State or Federal Trademark Registration?
The question of whether to register for a state trademark or a federal trademark is one that often comes up when you start looking at protecting your brand. From purely a cost standpoint, the state level tends to be less expensive than filing an application with...
Comparing Design Patents and Utility Patents
You’ve invented something unique that you are really proud of. Before...
How To Trademark Your Logo
One of the most exciting times for any business owner is perfecting the logo...
Can I Patent a Recipe?
Technically, the answer is yes. Is it likely? Probably not. ...
Provisional Patent Applications
A provisional patent application acts as a placeholder for a later filed...
Choosing a Strong Company Name
One of the most daunting tasks when starting a business is naming it. It...
Why Your Business Needs a Trademark
The beauty with entrepreneurs, especially those looking to get their small...